Please help us bring the therapy and beauty of Traditional Navajo Horse Blessing Ceremonies to rescue sanctuaries across the Northeast in September 2014.
Navajo (Diné) People, who still revere the ancient teachings of their culture, believe in the horses’ (and their relatives : donkeys, mules, etc.) ability to help us heal both physically and emotionally (this belief has been applied in recent years through the increased use of horses in therapeutic rehabilitation programs). Unfortunately for the horses, they absorb the negative emotions and energy of people they come in contact with. That being said, the purpose of a Horse Blessing Ceremony is to nullify the negative energy the horses carry.
What is a Navajo Horse Blessing Ceremony?
Although each ceremony is unique, the Horse Blessing Ceremony typically opens with the Navajo Creation Story of the horse and explains why the horse is so sacred to their culture. Stories are then told about the importance of connecting with nature, making time for family and loved ones, reevaluating our “needs” and embracing simplicity.
Those in attendance are then invited to gather greens from the horses’ environment to be mixed with the medicinal herbs collected by a Navajo Medicine Person. Hot coals are added to create a moist, fragrant smoke. This smudge, as it is referred to, is the medicine that is offered to the horses.
As sacred songs are sung and the smudge is taken to the horses, the healing properties begin and energy work (think: reiki) is performed. Those in attendance bear witness to the negative and unhealthy energy leaving the horses’ bodies, as they sigh, yawn and even roll on the ground (well known in the horse world as classic signs of release followed by inner peace). In this safe environment, conducive to emotional processing and release, the healing goes beyond what could have been achieved on a purely physical level.
Who performs the ceremony?
Harrison Jim Sr. is a Traditional Practitioner of Navajo Ceremonies and holds the highly esteemed title of Medicine Man. He is a member of the Navajo Nation, making his home on the Navajo Reservation lands of New Mexico.
Harrison grew up around horses and got involved in rodeo as a saddle bronc rider. After an elder Medicine Man introduced him to the spiritual side of horses, Harrison longed to change the way he interacted with them. He prayed for forgiveness for the way he had handled them in the past and committed himself to learn how to conduct Traditional Navajo Horse Blessing Ceremonies.
Harrison's Achievements:
· Served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
· Certified as a CADC-II and ICADC (substance abuse counseling certification) with the Southwest Certification Board.
· Certified with the Dine’ Hat’aali Association of Window Rock, Arizona as a Traditional Counselor and Consultant.
· Certified Peacemaker with the Navajo Nation
· Recognized as a Native Scholar from the University of New Mexico in the year 2000.
· Recipient of the fellowship award with the Robert Wood Johnson’s Developing Leadership in Reducing Substance Abuse in 2002 (Harrison is the only full blooded Native American to receive this distinguished award.)
Gino Antonio is a Practitioner's Assistant of Traditional Navajo Ceremonies. He, too, is a member of the Navajo Nation, making his home on the Navajo Reservation lands of Arizona.
Gino became interested in horses after his elders told him stories about his grandfather's horsemanship skills. He was given the opportunity to learn to ride by his cousin and vividly recalls riding bareback at a full gallop, letting go of the reins with arms outstretched and just being present with the horse at that moment. He says: "His legs were mine and my arms were his wings."
Gino's Achievements:
· U.S Army Veteran
· Alumnus of the University of Arizona and the Institute of American Indian Arts.
· Co-founder, President and Field Director for Pollen Circles, Inc.
· Certified as a Wilderness First Responder and in CPR.
How did this horse healing venture begin?
Harrison and Gino met while working in the Adolescence Care Unit at Fort Defiance Indian Hospital. There, they integrated traditional Native American and western approaches to healing. The two quickly recognized a kinship in one another. In 2012, Harrison and Gino called upon their skills from working in the treatment center to help them create customized healing programs for veterans returning from war. They utilized their teachings to help veterans from ALL cultures regain balance and harmony in their lives. Encouraged by the way those unfamiliar with Native American culture received their teachings, an additional facet was added to the work they do together. With a mutual affinity for horses, they now conduct Traditional Navajo Horse Blessing Ceremonies as well.
My name is Andrea Neiman. I have been teaching art at the secondary level in public schools since 2007. With a passion for culture, nature and animals (especially horses) it has been my personal mission to incorporate elements of humane education and social justice into many of my lessons.
Horses have played a defining role in my life. I am currently the lifetime guardian of three rescued equines who desperately needed to be re-homed. Additionally, I volunteer at local horse rescue sanctuaries and have witnessed firsthand the way the horses’ emotional scars from prior abuse and neglect still linger.
I first met Harrison and Gino in the summer of 2013 when I attended a four-day workshop that focused on the theme of horses as healers and teachers held at a local equine rescue facility. Harrison and Gino were invited to share their culture, stories, songs, and horsemanship skills. Since that time, I’ve had the good fortune of assisting them with several other Horse Blessing Ceremonies.
What are the impacts?
There are multiple impacts that will result from this initiative. Included are the following:
· Gino and Harrison will perform Navajo Horse Blessing Ceremonies at rescue sanctuaries across the Northeast.
· The Horse Blessing Ceremonies will be provided at no cost to financially constrained rescue organizations.
· Gino and Harrison have made a commitment to sharing their culture with the human attendees at these ceremonies.
The long-term benefit of the financial support you provide may result in the following:
· The full recovery of horses enabling them to be adopted so more horses can be rescued.
· Physical and/or emotional healing enabling the horses to serve in educational and/or therapeutic programs.
· A higher standard of well-being for each horse coupled with dramatic, positive changes to the horse's demeanor.
· The opportunity for Harrison and Gino to share their knowledge, skills and beautiful culture with a wider audience.
· Healing of the land, people and animals (including wildlife) at each ceremony.
Harrison’s and Gino’s ability to extend their healing work to facilities in the Northeastern United States is currently limited due to their lack of funds as well as the limited resources of the equine rescue sanctuaries themselves. This campaign is intended to overcome this obstacle. We are eager to get this operation off the ground, but with such a limited time frame we need your help to make it happen!
The Rosemary Farm Sanctuary herd reacting to Harrison's song
Testimonials (Please scroll down to the bottom of the page to see additional testimonials from rescue organizations and photos from our Autumn 2014 Tour) :
"…that was the most amazing thing!! Serious spirituality flowing between the herd and the song... I've never seen anything like it... ever... every head turned--ears up--so engaged by the singing."
~ Blessing Ceremony Attendee, Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, South Kortright, NY
"I loved the Navajo Healing Ceremony! It was so wonderful seeing the horses respond to the smoke and feather healing. It was amazing how much calmer and relaxed Will became as the ceremony went on. Also loved how all the horses responded to the call that Harrison Jim sang. So moving...."
~ Blessing Ceremony Attendee, Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield, NY
“I had the great privilege of experiencing a Navajo Horse Blessing...The interactions between Gino and the horses were magical. The history shared by Harrison was touching and enlightening...I am now so much more aware of the energy that I carry and that has greatly improved my relationship with my horse. The experience was truly life-changing!"
~Dawn M., Clifton Park, NY
***Ceremony Schedule - All events are open to the public! Please check the organization's website and/or Facebook page for specific details before attending their Ceremony:
Easy Street Horse & Barnyard Rescue, Amsterdam, NY
Saturday, August 30, 2014 - 10:30 a.m.
http://easystreetrescue.org/
https://www.facebook.com/easystreet.horserescue?fref=ts
Rosemary Farm Sanctuary (a horse rescue organization), South Kortright, NY
Sunday, August 31, 2014 - 11:00 a.m.
http://rosemaryfarm.org/
https://www.facebook.com/RosemaryFarm
Old Friends at Cabin Creek (a thoroughbred retirement home), Greenfield, NY
Saturday, September 6, 2014 - Noon
http://www.oldfriendsatcabincreek.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Old-Friends-at-Cabin-Creek/105857502839801
Every Body Counts (EBC) Therapy Center (a hippotherapy center), East Berne, NY
Sunday, September 7, 2014 - 1:00 p.m. ***PLEASE NOTE THE NEW START TIME***
http://www.ebcpt.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/EBC-Therapy-Center/110509432302062
Gerda's Animal Aid (a horse rescue organization), West Townshend, VT
Saturday, September 13, 2014 - Noon
http://www.gerdasanimalaid.org/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gerdas-Animal-Aid/129950937035919
The Dorset Equine Rescue, Manchester, VT
Saturday, September 13, 2014 - *immediately following the Ceremony at Gerda's Animal Aid (approx. 4:00 p.m.)
http://www.thedorsetequinerescue.org/
https://www.facebook.com/TheDorsetEquineRescue
Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue (a donkey and mule rescue organization), South Acworth, NH
Sunday, September 14, 2014 - 11:30 a.m.
http://www.saveyourassrescue.org/
A Note from Gino: The horses know the land well and are such an integral link. Horses bring in the spirits with the songs, offerings, and prayers the way strong winds precede a storm and its blessing of sacred rains. With the influence of advancements in this Western world, some of these traditions are being overlooked for the sake of time constraints and costs. This has resulted in less-than-desirable-outcomes for the horse and many other beings. We see this in the wild horse round-ups (often leading to horse slaughter), extinctions of species, aerial shootings of wolves and other mammals, and deplorable living conditions for animals raised for human consumption. We are all negatively affected in some way in this “time of disconnection.” With that said, Harrison and I would like to bring awareness to a life filled with harmony and beauty through preserving what was taught to us. It is also our belief that the beauty we all instinctively possess will grow in everyone in attendance at the Horse Blessing Ceremonies.
What do we need?
We need to raise $4,000 (minimum) in order to cover Harrison's and Gino's travel expenses.
The Navajo Nation is a long way from the Northeastern portion of the U.S. and, unfortunately, flights are expensive. Airfare will amount to $1,600 for the two of them to fly coach class.
In an effort to be frugal, lodging costs are N/A, as I will be hosting Harrison and Gino for the duration of their two-week stay.
We will be driving throughout the Northeast as far as 3 hours away. Gas and tolls will cost approximately $600.
Food for the two of them over the 12-14 days will cost approximately $1000.
The remaining funds will offset the cost of printing promotional materials, gathering medicinal herbs from the Southwest, attending workshops and conferences to further their own knowledge and education.
If the goal is surpassed, remaining money will go towards securing Harrison's and Gino’s return to the Northeast later this fall and/or in the summer of 2015. It is my hope that this begins…
In addition to that good feeling you’ll receive through your donation, there are wonderful, original Navajo perks for you as well!
What do you get?
$25 Contribution: Sweetgrass Braid
Sweetgrass is used by many Native American tribes as a smudge for blessings of prosperity and protection from unhealthy energies.
$50 Contribution: Horse Fetish Necklace
Horse fetish necklace for good health and prosperity, handmade by Harrison and members of his family. Styles vary. Chosen randomly. The horse fetish necklace can be worn, hung from your horse's bridle or your rear view mirror. Each necklace has been blessed by Harrison.
$100 Contribution: Horse Fetish Necklace (see photo above) and Turquoise Earrings
Horse fetish necklace for good health and prosperity. Both fetish and earrings are handmade by Harrison and members of his family. Styles vary for both. Each chosen randomly.
$250 Contribution: Turquoise Necklace
Turquoise necklace with assorted oyster beads, handmade by Harrison and members of his family. Approximately 23". Styles and lengths vary. Chosen randomly.
$500 Contribution: The "Navajo Bundle" - See photos above!
One sweetgrass braid, one horse fetish necklace, one pair of earrings, and one turquoise necklace!
If a monetary contribution isn’t possible at this time, you can still help by spreading the word! Share the link with friends and family, or post it on a social media site. Any noise is greatly appreciated!
Ahéhee'! Thank you!
For more information, please contact:
Andrea Neiman at Neiman.a@gmail.com
****************************************************************************
*Updates from the Autumn 2014 Tour*
Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue, South Acworth, NH
"The Navajo blessing was so cool...The difference in the hinnys’ behavior while being blessed was nothing short of amazing. They do NOT let anyone other than Annie handle them. Gino, one of the men doing the blessing, touched them both all over, down the front of their faces, under the belly, feet, everywhere (!) with an eagle feather. Several of the other animals came up and "asked" to be part of the ceremony, which in itself was very cool. When Harrison, Gino's brother, was singing a prayer, a hawk flew overhead, stayed while he sang, then flew away. The timing seemed very significant."
~Ann Firestone, President, Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue, South Acworth, NH
Gerda's Animal Aid, West Townshend, VT
"We had NO idea what to expect today, but we can say that we welcome Gino, Harrison and Andrea back next year for the blessing of our land and of our horses with open arms and hearts...We GOT IT!!!
Gino and Harrison went through every barn bestowing blessings on each and every horse, Eve was a sponge and Sara May (pictured above) threw herself into the healing head on...she couldn't get enough!! All in all it was a great day! We thank the Navajo representatives who reminded us of their basic spiritual connection to the horse, one which has gotten lost and abused my many. But the horse remains steadfast and forgiving no matter how betrayed it has been along the way in his relation to mankind. Today I was humbled and proud to be touched by the horses who have taught me so much! And Thank Gino and Harrison for pulling us back to really look at the essence of the horse!!"
~Gerda Silver, President, Gerda's Animal Aid, West Townshend, VT
Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield, NY
"Thank you so much to Harrison, Gino and Andrea for bringing the Navajo Healing Project to our horses and visitors. The day was beautiful and the meaning even more so. We all need to be reminded from time to time how connected we all are and the power of the Horse. The horses demonstrated strong responses and seemed to understand what was happening."
~Joanne Pepper, Owner and Manager, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, Greenfield, NY
Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, South Kortright, NY
"Not all horses are 'easy'. Especially many that we meet...It is never the horses fault. Reactive beings and at the whim of humans, they are created. Our gentle horses here have recovered their true nature, and our difficult horses have not; yet.
Such is the case with the mother/daughter pair Rosebud and Ruby. They have an unusual bond, the result of being together with just each other for 14 years. And they have an uncomfortable relationship with humans, the result of driving people out of their field for much of that time. Our efforts to change this dynamic, by providing clear leadership and a safe environment, have been partly successful, but we have had a backslide. Ruby has bitten several people in the past few days, in what appeared to us as unprovoked attacks. Surely to the horse there was logic to her actions, and we are working in sorting it out, and changing our handling strategies. "
~ Dawn Robyn Petrlik, President, Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, South Kortright, NY
"...The mother/daughter blessing was quite incredible."
~ Blessing Ceremony Attendee, Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, South Kortright, NY
"Of all the healing sessions I watched this past weekend, Rosebud and Ruby's was the most captivating and powerful. Hoping it will have helped make a difference."
~ Blessing Ceremony Attendee, Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, South Kortright, NY
*Note: Gino suggested to Dawn that placing Rosebud and Ruby into their own, separate herd groups might help them to become more confident, balanced mares. About a month later Dawn posted this to Rosemary Farm Sanctuary's Facebook Page:
Monday, January 19, 2015 at 09:04AM 
